An artificial intelligence model predicted creditworthiness more accurately than traditional models in an experiment conducted by the auto lender. The technology someday could be used to find hidden gems among loan applicants — emphasis on the someday.

The Arkansas company has bought 12 banks in Florida since 2010, and its CEO said he had coveted Stonegate for years before agreeing to buy it this week. Yet there is nagging talk about a new bubble in the Sunshine State.

In a further illustration of weakness in the auto sector, Ally Financial said Tuesday that its 2017 profits will likely be dinged by rising delinquencies on subprime auto loans, as well as by falling used-car prices.